The convergence of politics and professional wrestling created a spectacle last week when WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan took to the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. There, the iconic wrestling figure officially endorsed presidential candidate Donald Trump, calling him his “hero” and expressing confidence in Trump’s ability to “get America back on track.”
While the wrestling world largely remained silent regarding Hogan’s politically charged speech, fellow Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam shared his thoughts on the latest episode of his podcast, “1 Of A Kind with RVD.” Known for his candidness, Van Dam didn’t shy away from dissecting Hogan’s approach.
“I was a little bit surprised the agenda seemed to be to name-drop and remind the people of the wrestlers,” Van Dam remarked. “An obvious part of the plan was to connect people with their memories of the ’80s.” This comment highlighted Hogan’s strategic emphasis on nostalgia, as much of his nearly ten-minute speech reminisced about his legendary matches with icons like “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Andre the Giant.
Despite the nostalgic undertones, Van Dam was generally positive about Hogan’s delivery, acknowledging that the wrestling legend “did good” and delivered a “good speech.” He further appreciated Hogan’s venture into the political arena, viewing it as a testament to his unparalleled celebrity status.
“When you’re not only the most recognizable man on the planet but in your inner circle you hang out with world leaders and s***, that’s a pretty elite level of celebrity,” Van Dam noted. His words reflect an admiration for Hogan’s ability to transcend the wrestling world and maintain relevance on a broader stage.
Historically, Van Dam has maintained a neutral stance on political matters. However, he has previously commented on a hypothetical scenario involving another wrestling legend and potential political aspirant, The Rock, suggesting that the intersection of wrestling and politics is not unfamiliar territory for him.
Hogan’s RNC speech, infused with wrestling anecdotes and political endorsements, seemed to blend his wrestling persona with political aspirations. This mix drew varied reactions from fans and pundits alike, with Van Dam’s perspective offering a glimpse into how wrestling peers perceive such crossovers.
In the grand arena of public opinion, Hogan’s speech will likely continue to stir debate about the role of celebrity endorsements in politics, especially from figures with roots in the entertainment industry like wrestling. As Hogan leverages his wrestling fame to influence political discourse, his actions invite both scrutiny and admiration, reflecting the complex relationship between celebrity and politics in today’s world.
